No government funds have been used to produce this article.

The 317 Coalition (of which IAC is a member) put out an action alert asking individuals to contact their U.S. senators urging them to sign a letter in support of increased immunization funding for the 317 Program.

The 317 Program provides vaccines for children and teens from working families who do not qualify for the federal entitlement program, Vaccines for Children (VFC), as well as for adults who do not otherwise have access to vaccines. Section 317 funds are used to purchase and administer vaccines, conduct surveillance, communicate with the public and providers, and provide education.

Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Pat Roberts (R-KS) have sent a "Dear Colleague" letter to every member of the Senate asking them to sign on to a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee in support of increased funding for the immunization program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention--known as "Section 317" of the Public Health Service Act. To read the letter, go to:
http://www.317coalition.org/learnmore/Senatedearcolleague11.pdf

The more members of the U.S. Senate that sign on to the letter, the better the chance the 317 Program will receive increased funding in the FY 2011 budget.

The deadline for securing signers has been extended to Tuesday, April 13, so if you're going to contact your senator, please do so before that date.

For background information, action description, instructions on how to contact your senators, and senate talking points, click here.

IAC encourages you to visit the 317 Coalition's website at http://www.317Coalition.org

To view a list of the 150 organizations that are members of the 317 Coalition, go to:
http://www.317coalition.org/members

If your agency, organization, or medical practice would like to join the 317 Coalition or would like additional information, contact M.J. Kenny, Cornerstone Government Affairs at mjkenny@cgagroup.com